The Wisconsin Selects opened the Tier II National Tournament in East Lansing, Michigan with a frustrating 2-1 loss to the #2 Ranked Boston Jr. Eagles. Despite outshooting the Eagles 29-11, Wisconsin couldn’t produce the game tying goal.

The teams played to a scoreless first period tie, with Wisconsin outshooting Boston 8-2. The Eagles struck first late in the second period on a great individual effort. Forward Julia Guden out-raced both Selects defenseman and beat goalie Sydney Magnuson for a surprising 1-0 lead.

Boston would take that lead into the third period.

Madeline Kropelka went coast-to-coast at 7:49 of the third and the Eagles led 2-0. Wisconsin would finally solve goaltender Elizabeth Madden, when Ashley Slupe, on the powerplay, buried a rebound to bring Wisconsin within a goal at 2-1. Reese Sheehan and Zowie Hunter assisted on the goal. Wisconsin was unable to get the game to overtime with the goalie pulled for the game’s final ninety seconds.

The Selects dominated the game holding ten-minute advantage in puck possession and attempting seventy-four shots, with only twenty-nine reaching the net. General Manager Mike Cowan summed up the game, “We struggled to score.” Wisconsin hit four pipes throughout the game to add to their frustration.

Wisconsin returns to action against Little Caesars on Thursday who defeated Adirondack 3-1 in their opening game.

Dan Bauer is a free-lance writer, retired teacher & hockey coach in Wausau, WI. You can contact him at drbauer13@gmail.com.